What makes something funny? That’s debatable, especially since it’s such a subjective topic to begin with. But one thing is certain – being successful at it takes a formula that works and does so consistently, something that may be more difficult to realize than what one might think. However, those who achieve this goal are also likely to attain legendary status, an accomplishment widely accorded to Lorne Michaels, longtime producer of the late night sketch comedy TV show Saturday Night Live. For 45 of the past 50 years, Michaels has worked his magic in creating big laughs with a singular blend of humor that has reshaped the artform and become an undeniably integral part of contemporary American culture. He has also helped launch the careers of countless performers who have gone on to fame, fortune and artistic notoriety. But how has he done it? As an enigmatic, comparatively reclusive figure in the entertainment industry, he has rarely given up many of the secrets of his success, such as determining exactly what’s funny, how to find and cultivate the talent of an array of virtual unknowns, and how to outlast the inflated opinions of many network executives who thought they knew how to do things better (but didn’t). Those are among the revelations brought to light in this eye-opening new documentary from filmmaker Morgan Neville, the accomplished director of such releases as “20 Feet from Stardom” (2013) and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (2018). This offering examines a typical week in the production cycle of the show (one that often feels very much like a “seat of one’s pants” undertaking), intercut with archive footage from Michaels’ career (including stints as a writer for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1969) and writer-producer of the Emmy Award-winning Lily Tomlin Special (1975)), clips from SNL through the years, and interviews with those who have worked with him as writers, producers and performers through the years. There’s also footage from some of his side projects, such as the TV series The Kids in the Hall (1988-1995) and 30 Rock (2006-2013), along with movie projects like “Three Amigos!” (1986) and SNL spinoff films like “Wayne’s World” (1992) and “Coneheads” (1993). In addition, the picture spotlights the outrageous and frequently silly humor and bold casting choices that have characterized much of the protagonist’s work, qualities that have come to distinguish it (and him) in the field of comedy for its brashness, unpredictability and willingness to push envelopes that some might find offensive, especially in the area of political satire. But one noteworthy quality that sets this documentary apart from the director’s other projects is the mischievous way it plays with the audience in telling its subject’s story: Given that Michaels is famously known as someone who roguishly likes to toy with others’ minds with his perfectly deadpan delivery, Neville does the same in presenting “the facts” of Michaels’ biography, often with hilarious, cleverly animated sequences, a delightful touch that keeps viewers guessing and is seldom employed in the often-deadly serious art of documentary filmmaking. Admittedly, there are times (especially early in the film) when this release feels a little “too inside” for its own good, as if it’s relying too heavily on material that only those closest to Michaels would fully be able to appreciate and understand. But, once the film gets past this, it provides audiences with a fun, nostalgic stroll down memory lane, providing insights into the mind of a comedic genius who is in a field by himself – and deservedly so.
